How To Hike the Pacific Crest Trail (Complete Guide & Planning)

The Pacific Crest Trail is one of the most spectacular long-distance hikes in the world, stretching from Mexico to Canada through some of the West Coast’s most breathtaking wilderness. It’s an epic journey through desert, mountains, and forests that challenges and transforms those who dare to walk it.

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a 2,650-mile National Scenic Trail that traverses the spine of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges. It begins at the Mexican border in Campo, California, and winds its way north through California, Oregon, and Washington before reaching the Canadian border at Manning Park, British Columbia.

This legendary trail passes through 25 national forests and seven national parks, crossing some of the most diverse ecosystems in North America. From the scorching Mojave Desert to the snow-capped peaks of the High Sierra, from volcanic landscapes to alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers, the PCT offers an unparalleled wilderness experience.

The trail was designated as one of the first two National Scenic Trails in 1968, alongside the Appalachian Trail. Since then, it has captured the imagination of adventurers worldwide, with thousands attempting thru-hikes each year.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, including planning considerations, section recommendations, permit requirements, and detailed information to help you prepare for this journey of a lifetime.

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL OVERVIEW

Start: Campo, California (Mexican Border)
Finish: Manning Park, British Columbia (Canadian Border)
Distance: 2,650 miles (4,265 km)
Duration: 4-6 months for thru-hike; varies for section hikes
Elevation Gain: Approximately 489,000 feet cumulative
Difficulty: Difficult to Very Difficult
Best Season: Northbound (NOBO): April-September; Southbound (SOBO): June-October

The Pacific Crest Trail isn’t just a hike; it’s a lifestyle commitment for those tackling the entire route. Most thru-hikers take between four and six months to complete the journey, averaging 20-25 miles per day.

The trail reaches its highest point at Forester Pass in the Sierra Nevada at 13,153 feet and its lowest point near the Columbia River at 140 feet. This dramatic elevation change means you’ll experience everything from desert heat to alpine cold, often within the same week.

I’ve section-hiked various portions of the PCT over several summers, and each segment has offered unique challenges and rewards. The trail demands respect, preparation, and mental fortitude, but it gives back tenfold in memories and personal growth.

HIKING OPTIONS: THRU-HIKE VS SECTION HIKING

THRU-HIKING

A thru-hike means completing the entire PCT in one continuous journey. Most thru-hikers start at the southern terminus in late April or early May, timing their hike to avoid snow in the High Sierra while still reaching Washington before winter arrives.

Thru-hiking requires significant time off work, substantial financial resources (budget $4,000-$8,000), and extensive planning. The physical and mental challenges are immense, but the sense of accomplishment is unmatched.

Only about 60% of those who start complete the entire trail in one season. The attrition rate speaks to the trail’s difficulty and the commitment required.

SECTION HIKING

Section hiking involves completing the PCT in shorter segments over multiple trips. This approach is more accessible for people with jobs, families, and other commitments.

Popular sections include:

Southern California Desert (Campo to Kennedy Meadows, 702 miles)
High Sierra (Kennedy Meadows to Tuolumne Meadows, 177 miles)
Northern California (Belden to Seiad Valley, 450 miles)
Oregon (Various sections, 456 total miles)
Washington (Various sections, 506 total miles)

I’ve found section hiking allows me to tackle the trail at my own pace while still experiencing its magic. Each summer, I return to pick up where I left off, and the anticipation between sections keeps the dream alive year-round.

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL MAP AND SECTIONS

The PCT is typically divided into five major sections, each with distinct characteristics:

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (Mile 0-702)

This section traverses the desert landscapes of Southern California, including the Laguna Mountains, San Jacinto Mountains, and the Mojave Desert. It’s hot, dry, and challenging, with long water carries required.

Key highlights include Mount San Jacinto, the desert town of Idyllwild, and the approach to the Sierra Nevada at Kennedy Meadows.

HIGH SIERRA (Mile 702-942)

Many consider this the most spectacular section of the entire PCT. The High Sierra features alpine lakes, granite peaks, and some of the highest passes on the trail, including Forester Pass, Glen Pass, and Pinchot Pass.

You’ll traverse through Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and the legendary John Muir Trail overlaps with the PCT for about 177 miles. This section typically has snow into July, making it the most technically challenging.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA (Mile 942-1,698)

This diverse section passes through volcanic landscapes near Lassen Peak, dense forests, and the stunning Trinity Alps. It includes long stretches through wilderness areas with fewer towns for resupply.

Highlights include Burney Falls, Castle Crags State Park, and crossing into Oregon near the dramatic peaks around Mount Shasta.

OREGON (Mile 1,698-2,154)

Oregon is known for being relatively flat and forested, offering a mental break after the intensity of California. The trail passes numerous volcanic peaks, including Mount McLoughlin, the Three Sisters, and Mount Hood.

Crater Lake National Park is a major highlight, with its impossibly blue waters contained in an ancient volcanic caldera.

WASHINGTON (Mile 2,154-2,650)

The final state offers stunning alpine scenery through the North Cascades, often considered second only to the High Sierra in terms of dramatic beauty. The trail passes through Goat Rocks Wilderness and the spectacular Glacier Peak Wilderness.

The finish at the Canadian border at Hart’s Pass is emotional for thru-hikers who’ve walked from Mexico over thousands of miles.

For detailed navigation, I recommend using the Guthook Guides app (now FarOut), which provides GPS tracking, water sources, camping locations, and comments from other hikers. Alternatively, the Halfmile PCT app offers excellent maps and elevation profiles.

GETTING TO THE TRAILHEADS

SOUTHERN TERMINUS (CAMPO, CA)

The southern terminus is located near the small town of Campo, California, about 50 miles east of San Diego.

By Car: Drive east from San Diego on Interstate 8 to Highway 94, then south to Campo. A trailhead parking area is available, but parking for extended periods requires coordination.

By Shuttle: Most thru-hikers use shuttle services from San Diego. Several PCT-specific shuttle companies operate during hiking season, with prices ranging from $75-$100 per person. Scout and Frodo’s (a popular service) runs regular shuttles from San Diego during peak season.

By Public Transit: Take the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Blue Line trolley from downtown San Diego to the El Cajon Transit Center, then transfer to the Rural Bus System Route 894 toward Campo. The trip takes about 2.5 hours.

NORTHERN TERMINUS (MANNING PARK, BC)

The northern terminus is located at Hart’s Pass in Washington, with most hikers finishing at Manning Park, British Columbia, about 8 miles north of the border.

By Car: Manning Park is about 3 hours east of Vancouver on Highway 3 (Crowsnest Highway).

By Shuttle: Shuttle services run from Bellingham, Washington, and Vancouver, British Columbia, to Hart’s Pass and Manning Park. Book these well in advance during peak season (August-September).

By Bus: Greyhound buses previously served Manning Park, but service is limited. Check current schedules and consider private shuttle services instead.

SECTION HIKE ACCESS POINTS

Popular access points for section hiking include:

Warner Springs, CA (Mile 109)
Idyllwild/Highway 74 (Mile 179)
Big Bear/Highway 18 (Mile 266)
Wrightwood/Highway 2 (Mile 369)
Kennedy Meadows (Mile 702)
Tuolumne Meadows (Mile 942)
Echo Lake (Mile 1,094)
Crater Lake, OR (Mile 1,835)
Cascade Locks, OR (Mile 2,144)
Stevens Pass, WA (Mile 2,465)

Many of these access points have shuttle services, and some are accessible by limited public transportation. Planning resupply and logistics is a crucial part of any PCT hike.

PERMITS AND REGULATIONS

Hiking the PCT requires careful attention to permit requirements, which vary depending on whether you’re thru-hiking or section hiking.

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL LONG-DISTANCE PERMIT

For thru-hikes and section hikes of 500 miles or more, you need a PCT Long-Distance Permit issued by the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA).

These permits are free but limited in number. Applications open on the PCTA website in mid-November for the following year’s hiking season, and they fill up quickly—usually within days for popular start dates.

The permit allows you to camp in designated PCT campsites and traverse most areas without additional permits. However, you’ll still need to arrange special permits for some areas.

ADDITIONAL PERMITS REQUIRED

Mount Whitney: If you’re hiking past the Mount Whitney junction (which most PCT hikers do), you technically need a Mount Whitney permit. However, the PCTA coordinates with Inyo National Forest, and PCT long-distance permit holders can usually pass through without a separate permit if they don’t summit Whitney itself.

Crater Lake National Park: No additional permit needed with your PCT permit, but camping is restricted to designated sites.

Canada Entry: If finishing at the Canadian border and continuing to Manning Park, ensure you have proper documentation for entering Canada. Most US citizens need a passport or enhanced driver’s license.

SECTION HIKING PERMITS

For section hikes shorter than 500 miles, you’ll need different permits depending on your location:

Wilderness Permits: Required for overnight stays in National Forest wilderness areas. Contact the specific ranger district where you plan to hike.

National Park Permits: Required for overnight stays in national parks along the route (Sequoia/Kings Canyon, Yosemite, Lassen Volcanic, Crater Lake, North Cascades). Reserve these through recreation.gov or the individual park’s permit system.

I learned the hard way during my first section hike that permit requirements can be complex. I recommend creating a spreadsheet of required permits for your planned sections and applying early—some wilderness permits for popular areas can be reserved up to six months in advance.

PLANNING YOUR HIKE

PHYSICAL PREPARATION

Training for the PCT should begin at least 3-6 months before your start date. Focus on:

Cardiovascular Fitness: Hiking is an endurance activity. Build up to hiking 10-15 miles with a loaded pack on consecutive days.

Leg Strength: Squats, lunges, and step-ups will strengthen your legs for the constant climbing and descending.

Core Strength: A strong core helps with balance and carrying a heavy pack comfortably.

Break In Your Gear: Especially your boots or trail runners. Blisters can end a hike quickly.

During my preparation for my first long section, I hiked every weekend with an increasingly heavy pack, gradually building from day hikes to overnight trips. By the time I started on the trail, my body was ready for the daily grind.

MENTAL PREPARATION

The mental challenge of long-distance hiking is often underestimated. Prepare yourself for:

Solitude and Loneliness: Even on the popular PCT, you’ll have long stretches alone with your thoughts.
Discomfort: You’ll be tired, sore, sometimes cold and wet, often hungry.
Doubt: Nearly every long-distance hiker questions their decision at some point.

Read books and watch documentaries about PCT thru-hikes. Join online forums and Facebook groups to connect with other hikers. Understanding what you’re getting into mentally is just as important as physical training.

RESUPPLY STRATEGY

Planning resupply stops is crucial. Most hikers resupply every 4-7 days, depending on their pace and the availability of towns.

Mail Drops: Ship boxes of food and supplies to post offices or businesses along the route. This gives you control over your diet but requires advance planning and expense.

Buy As You Go: Purchase supplies in trail towns. This offers flexibility but can be more expensive, and small towns may have limited options.

Hybrid Approach: Most hikers use a combination, mailing boxes to remote locations with limited stores while buying supplies in larger towns.

I prefer the hybrid approach. I mail boxes to remote locations like Kennedy Meadows South, Stehekin, and a few Oregon locations with limited services, but I buy food in larger trail towns like Mammoth Lakes, South Lake Tahoe, and Cascade Locks.

BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS

A PCT thru-hike typically costs $4,000-$8,000, including:

Gear: $1,500-$3,000 (initial investment)
Food: $1,000-$1,500
Town Expenses: $1,500-$3,000 (lodging, restaurants, laundry)
Transportation: $500-$1,000 (getting to/from trail, shuttles)
Permits and Fees: $100-$300
Contingency: $500-$1,000 (gear replacement, medical, emergencies)

Section hiking spreads these costs over multiple years but adds transportation expenses for each trip.

BEST TIME TO HIKE THE PACIFIC CREST TRAIL

Timing is critical for a successful PCT hike, as weather conditions and snow levels dramatically affect different sections.

NORTHBOUND (NOBO) THRU-HIKE

Start Date: Late April to early May

Most thru-hikers start in late April, completing the desert section before the extreme heat of summer, then reaching the High Sierra after the snow has begun to melt (typically late June or July).

The goal is to reach Washington before the fall storms arrive in late September or October.

Advantages: Following the “bubble” of other hikers provides a social experience and well-worn trails. The timing works well for snow in the Sierra and Washington.

Disadvantages: Crowded start, competitive permit process, potential desert heat, mosquitoes in the Sierra (June-July).

SOUTHBOUND (SOBO) THRU-HIKE

Start Date: Late June to early July

Southbound hikers start in Canada and walk south to Mexico, finishing in September or October. This direction is less common (about 10% of thru-hikers).

Advantages: Fewer crowds, better weather in Washington at the start, autumn colors, less competition for permits and camping.

Disadvantages: More challenging logistics, less trail magic (trail angels focus on NOBOs), riskier snow conditions in the North Cascades, potential snow in Southern California in late October/November, water sources may be dry by the time you reach Southern California.

SECTION HIKING TIMELINE

Section hiking offers more flexibility:

May-June: Southern California desert sections (avoid July-August heat), Northern California and Oregon

July-September: High Sierra (snow dependent), Washington, Northern California alpine sections

September-October: Lower elevation sections in Oregon and Southern California (after peak season)

I’ve found late June through early August ideal for High Sierra sections, when the snow has melted but wildflowers are still blooming. The days are long, and the weather is generally stable, though afternoon thunderstorms are common.

ESSENTIAL GEAR FOR THE PCT

Packing for the PCT requires balancing comfort, safety, and weight. Most experienced hikers aim for a base weight (everything except food, water, and fuel) under 20 pounds.

THE BIG THREE

Backpack: A 50-65 liter pack is standard for thru-hiking. Popular choices include Osprey Exos, Granite Gear Crown 2, and ULA Circuit. I use a 60-liter pack that’s comfortable for long days and can accommodate a bear canister in the Sierra.

Shelter: Most PCT hikers use ultralight tents or tarps. Three-season tents work for most of the trail. Popular options include the Big Agnes Copper Spur, Zpacks Duplex, and Tarptent Protrail. A tent with good ventilation is crucial for warm desert nights.

Sleeping System: A 20°F (-6°C) sleeping bag or quilt is recommended. Down is lighter and more compressible, but synthetic insulation works better in wet conditions. Pair this with an insulated sleeping pad (R-value 3-4 minimum).

CLOTHING

Layering System: Base layer, insulating layer (puffy jacket), and rain jacket form the core of your clothing system.

Hiking Clothes: Lightweight, quick-drying pants or shorts, moisture-wicking shirts, sun hoodies for desert sections.

Insulation: Down or synthetic puffy jacket for cold mornings and evenings in the mountains.

Rain Gear: Waterproof jacket is essential; rain pants are debatable (I carry them for the Sierra and Washington).

Footwear: Trail runners have become popular for their light weight and quick drying, though some hikers prefer hiking boots for ankle support. I’ve used trail runners for years and won’t go back to boots.

NAVIGATION AND COMMUNICATION

Navigation: Smartphone with GPS apps (Guthook/FarOut, Halfmile), backup paper maps for key sections, compass.

Communication: Satellite communicator (InReach or SPOT) for emergencies, especially in remote sections with no cell service.

Power: Solar charger or multiple battery banks to keep devices charged during long sections between towns.

COOKING SYSTEM

Stove: Lightweight canister stoves are most common. Popular models include MSR PocketRocket, Soto WindMaster, and BRS-3000T.

Cookware: A single pot (700-900ml) is sufficient for most hikers.

Water Treatment: Filter (Sawyer Squeeze is extremely popular), chemical treatment as backup, or UV purifier.

FIRST AID AND SAFETY

First Aid Kit: Include blister treatment, pain relievers, antibiotic ointment, bandages, medical tape, and any personal medications.

Sun Protection: High SPF sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat for desert sections.

Navigation Tools: Compass, whistle, headlamp with extra batteries.

BEAR CANISTER

Required in certain sections of the Sierra Nevada (typically Sequoia-Kings Canyon and Yosemite), a bear canister protects your food from bears and other animals. The BearVault BV500 is a popular choice that balances capacity and weight.

You can rent these in towns near the Sierra if you’re section hiking and don’t want to purchase one.

TREKKING POLES

I was initially skeptical about trekking poles, but they’ve become indispensable. They reduce strain on knees during descents, help with balance on tricky terrain, and can be used to set up tarp shelters. I recommend adjustable poles like Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork or Leki Micro Vario.

WATER SOURCES AND TREATMENT

Water management is one of the most critical skills for PCT hiking, especially in Southern California’s desert sections.

WATER SOURCES

The PCT has excellent water source information available through apps like Guthook/FarOut, which includes comments from recent hikers about flow rates and quality.

Southern California: Water sources can be 20+ miles apart. Some are seasonal springs that may be dry, while others are reliable water caches maintained by trail angels.

Sierra Nevada: Abundant water from snowmelt-fed streams, though crossing swollen streams can be dangerous in early season.

Northern California: Generally good water availability, though some sections in volcanic terrain can have long waterless stretches.

Oregon: Usually excellent water availability, with numerous streams and lakes.

Washington: Generally good water, though some ridge sections can be dry.

WATER TREATMENT

Always treat water on the trail. Even pristine-looking alpine streams can contain giardia or other pathogens.

Filter: The Sawyer Squeeze is the most popular choice among PCT hikers for its light weight, ease of use, and ability to filter large quantities quickly. Backflush regularly to maintain flow rate.

Chemical Treatment: Aquamira or chlorine dioxide tablets work as a backup or supplement to filtering.

UV Treatment: SteriPEN devices kill pathogens but don’t remove sediment or particles.

I use a Sawyer Squeeze as my primary treatment method and carry Aquamira drops as a backup. In six years of section hiking, I’ve never gotten sick from water.

WATER CARRYING CAPACITY

Desert Sections: Carry 3-6 liters capacity. Some waterless stretches exceed 20 miles.

Mountains: 1-2 liters is usually sufficient, as water sources are more frequent.

I use a 3-liter bladder in my pack plus two 1-liter SmartWater bottles, giving me 5 liters total capacity for desert sections.

WILDLIFE AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

The PCT passes through diverse ecosystems with various wildlife encounters possible.

BEARS

Black bears are common in the Sierra Nevada, Northern California, Oregon, and Washington.

Prevention: Store food properly in bear canisters (required in Sierra), hang food where canisters aren’t required, keep a clean camp, cook and eat away from your sleeping area.

Encounters: Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising bears, carry bear spray (optional but recommended in Washington), know how to react if you encounter a bear (stand tall, speak calmly, back away slowly).

I’ve had several bear encounters over the years, including one memorable evening when a bear investigated my campsite while I cooked dinner. Following proper food storage protocols and staying calm kept the situation safe.

MOUNTAIN LIONS

Mountain lions are present throughout the trail but rarely seen. They’re most active at dawn and dusk.

Prevention: Hike in groups when possible in lion country, keep children close, don’t hike at dawn or dusk in known lion habitat.

Encounters: Don’t run. Face the lion, make yourself large, speak firmly, fight back if attacked.

RATTLESNAKES

Common in Southern California and lower elevations throughout the trail, especially in warm months.

Prevention: Watch where you put your hands and feet, don’t step over logs without checking the other side, give snakes space if encountered.

Treatment: If bitten, remain calm, immobilize the affected limb, remove jewelry, seek medical help immediately. Don’t attempt to capture or kill the snake.

MOSQUITOES AND TICKS

Mosquitoes can be intense in the Sierra Nevada from mid-June through July. Bring mosquito head nets and consider treating clothing with permethrin.

Ticks are present in lower elevations, particularly spring and early summer. Check yourself daily, especially in Northern California and Oregon.

WEATHER HAZARDS

Lightning: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Sierra. Avoid exposed ridges and peaks during storms, start early to reach camps before afternoon buildups.

Hypothermia: Even in summer, temperatures can drop below freezing at elevation. Carry adequate insulation and know the signs of hypothermia.

Heat Exhaustion: The desert sections can exceed 100°F. Start hiking before dawn, take long afternoon breaks in shade, maintain electrolyte balance.

Snow: Early season hikers face snow in the Sierra and Washington. Carry an ice axe and know how to self-arrest. Consider microspikes or crampons for firm snow.

TRAIL CULTURE AND ETIQUETTE

The PCT has a unique culture that’s developed over decades. Understanding and respecting these norms enhances everyone’s experience.

TRAIL NAMES

It’s tradition for hikers to receive trail names, usually given by other hikers based on a memorable incident, personality trait, or quirk. I received my trail name “Sundial” after spending an entire rest day photographing a natural sundial shadow in the desert.

TRAIL MAGIC

Trail magic refers to unexpected acts of kindness from trail angels (people who help hikers). This might include cold drinks at road crossings, rides to town, home-cooked meals, or a place to stay.

Etiquette: Always express gratitude, don’t expect magic, offer to help clean up or contribute if appropriate, pay it forward when you can.

LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES

The PCT’s popularity makes Leave No Trace ethics essential:

Plan ahead and prepare
Travel and camp on durable surfaces
Dispose of waste properly (pack out all trash, bury human waste 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water)
Leave what you find
Minimize campfire impacts (fires are often prohibited)
Respect wildlife
Be considerate of other visitors

TRAIL ETIQUETTE

Right of Way: Uphill hikers have right of way, but often they’ll step aside for a break. Horses always have right of way.

Passing: Announce yourself clearly: “On your left” or “Coming through.”

Music: Use headphones. The backcountry should be quiet.

Camping: Camp at least 200 feet from water sources when possible, respect established campsites, keep noise down after dark.

TOWNS AND RESUPPLY POINTS

One of the joys of the PCT is the rhythm of wilderness and civilization. Every few days, you’ll pass near a town for resupply, rest, and recovery.

POPULAR TRAIL TOWNS

Southern California:

Warner Springs (Mile 109)
Idyllwild (Mile 179)
Big Bear Lake (Mile 266)
Wrightwood (Mile 369)
Tehachapi (Mile 566)

Sierra Nevada:

Kennedy Meadows South (Mile 702)
Lone Pine/Independence (access via Mount Whitney area)
Bishop (Mile 877, via resupply at Muir Trail Ranch)
Mammoth Lakes (Mile 906)
Tuolumne Meadows (Mile 942)
South Lake Tahoe (Mile 1,094)

Northern California:

Sierra City (Mile 1,196)
Belden (Mile 1,286)
Chester (Mile 1,331)
Burney (Mile 1,420)
Mount Shasta area (Mile 1,523)
Seiad Valley (Mile 1,658)

Oregon:

Ashland (Mile 1,723)
Crater Lake (Mile 1,835)
Shelter Cove Resort (Mile 2,000)
Cascade Locks (Mile 2,144)

Washington:

Snoqualmie Pass (Mile 2,393)
Stevens Pass (Mile 2,465)
Stehekin (Mile 2,573)

ZERO DAYS

A “zero day” is a day with zero trail miles—a rest day in town. These are crucial for recovering physically and mentally, doing laundry, eating real food, and restocking supplies.

Most thru-hikers take a zero day every 7-10 days. I’ve found that taking regular zeros prevents burnout and reduces injury risk.

CHALLENGES AND HOW TO OVERCOME THEM

Every PCT hiker faces challenges. Here are the most common and strategies for overcoming them.

BLISTERS

Prevention: Wear properly fitted shoes, use liner socks, apply tape or Leukotape to hot spots immediately, keep feet dry when possible.

Treatment: Drain large blisters with a sterilized needle, apply antibiotic ointment, cover with blister bandage, continue monitoring.

INJURIES

Common Issues: Knee pain, shin splints, stress fractures, ankle sprains.

Prevention: Build up gradually, use trekking poles, maintain proper form, take rest days, listen to your body.

Treatment: Rest, ice when possible, take anti-inflammatories as needed, reduce pack weight, take extra zero days if necessary. Don’t hesitate to get off trail if an injury is serious.

MENTAL CHALLENGES

The mental game is often harder than the physical challenge. Strategies that helped me:

Set small goals: Focus on reaching the next water source, not the Canadian border.
Stay present: Enjoy the current moment rather than obsessing about miles ahead.
Connect with others: Share your struggles with fellow hikers.
Remember your “why”: Reflect on why you started this journey.
Take breaks: Zero days aren’t weakness; they’re wisdom.

WEATHER CHALLENGES

Heat: Hike early mornings and late afternoons, take long midday breaks in shade, stay hydrated, soak your shirt in water.

Cold: Wear all your layers, keep moving, stay dry, eat calorie-dense foods to fuel your internal furnace.

Rain: Embrace it. You’ll get wet eventually. Focus on keeping sleeping gear dry, wear rain jacket for warmth even if you get wet, dry out when weather clears.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND MEMORABLE MOMENTS

The PCT offers endless photography opportunities. Some of my favorite moments and locations:

Sunrise at Forester Pass: Watching the first light hit the High Sierra peaks from 13,153 feet is unforgettable.

Wildflowers in the Sierra: Late July brings explosive displays of lupine, paintbrush, and alpine flowers in meadows throughout the Sierra Nevada.

Crater Lake: The impossibly blue water of Crater Lake from the rim is worth the short detour.

Northern Cascades: The glaciated peaks of the North Cascades rival the Sierra for drama and beauty.

Desert Blooms: If you’re lucky with timing, Southern California’s desert sections explode with wildflowers after wet winters.

PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR

I carry a mirrorless camera (Sony A7III) with a single 24-105mm lens, but many hikers achieve great results with smartphones. Key photography tips:

Shoot during golden hour (sunrise and sunset)
Include foreground interest in landscape shots
Capture the journey, not just the destinations (photos of your worn boots, tent views, trail moments)
Don’t let photography interfere with experiencing the trail

DRONES

Drone use is prohibited in National Parks and most Wilderness Areas along the PCT. However, in National Forest areas where drones are permitted, they offer spectacular perspectives of the landscapes. Always check current regulations and fly responsibly.

WHAT TO EXPECT: MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

I’ve hiked over 800 miles of the PCT over six summers, tackling it in sections as time permits. Every section has taught me something new about the trail and myself.

My first section was the High Sierra from Kennedy Meadows to Tuolumne Meadows. I underestimated the elevation and struggled with altitude sickness at Forester Pass. But pushing through that challenge gave me confidence for future sections.

The desert sections taught me patience and water management. Walking through the Mojave in early May, I learned to appreciate small things: the shade of a Joshua tree, the cold can of soda at a water cache, the kindness of trail angels.

Oregon gave me speed and confidence. The relatively flat, forested trail allowed me to cover 25-30 miles per day, building endurance and trail efficiency.

Each section has had its challenges: river crossings in high water, mosquitoes so thick I wore a head net for days, 110°F temperatures in the desert, near-zero visibility in wildfire smoke, and the constant battle against blisters and soreness.

But the rewards vastly outweigh the challenges. I’ve watched the sun set over mountain ranges stretching to the horizon, swum in pristine alpine lakes, shared meals and stories with hikers from around the world, and experienced the profound satisfaction of walking mile after mile under my own power through some of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Pacific Crest Trail is more than a footpath through the mountains. It’s a journey of transformation, a test of will, and an immersion in wild beauty that changes everyone who walks it.

Whether you dream of thru-hiking from Mexico to Canada or tackling the trail in sections over many years, the PCT offers an adventure unlike any other. The challenges are real—the physical demands, the logistics, the weather, the mental battles. But so are the rewards.

Every person I’ve met on the trail, whether hiking 10 miles or 2,650, has shared a common experience: the PCT gave them more than they expected. More beauty, more challenge, more friendship, more self-knowledge.

Start planning your PCT adventure today. Research the sections that call to you, apply for permits, begin training, and dream about the views that await. The trail is waiting, and it has stories to tell—stories that become part of you with every step northward (or southward).

The PCT isn’t just a hike; it’s a journey home to yourself, to the wild places, and to the understanding that sometimes the longest path leads exactly where you need to be.

See you on the trail.

Have questions about hiking the Pacific Crest Trail? Planning your own PCT adventure? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Happy trails!